Drivers! Start your engines!
Even though 11% of the Northeast plans to kick off the unofficial start to summer with a road trip, they’ll be greeted with the most expensive Memorial Day gas prices since 2014, says AAA Northeast.
Today’s national average of $3.04 is a penny cheaper than last week, but pump prices will likely fluctuate up to this holiday weekend. Today’s average is the first decrease in two weeks following the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. Today’s price is also $1.08 higher than last year.
In Connecticut today, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.07, the same as last week and $1.11 higher than this time last year.
“AAA expects 34 million Americans to travel by car this holiday, a strong indication summer travel in general is on the upswing,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “In the Northeast, roadways also expect to be crowded as 1.6 million folks plan to drive to regional destinations to celebrate the start of summer.”
Some southeastern gas stations continue to experience supply delays although the Colonial Pipeline is back in operation following a cyberattack earlier this month. Stations most likely will experience sporadic delays through the holiday weekend.
“Drivers should understand markets aren’t expected to be ‘fuel-less,’” said Mayko. “But road trippers may come across some gas stations with low supplies in popular destinations such as beaches, mountains, and national parks.” Before leaving on a trip, AAA advises drivers to visit www.triptik.aaa.com to map their routes and identify gas stations along the way.
Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:
Greater Bridgeport $3.13 Lower Fairfield County $3.12
New Haven/Meriden $3.05 Greater Hartford $3.04
New London/Norwich $3.09 Windham/Middlesex $3.05
Statewide Average: $3.07
Today, Mississippi and Louisiana both register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.72, followed by Missouri and Texas, at $2.74. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.16 and $3.89, respectively. Connecticut continues to hold the 15th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.